Where to send your Arlington water payment
Arlington Water Utilities accepts payments through three main channels: online through their customer portal, by phone, or by mail. The online portal is the fastest route — you can pay when ready and see your payment post within one business day. Phone payments go through an automated system or a customer service representative and typically process the same day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the utility and post to your account, so send them early if you're close to a due date.
You can also pay in person at the Arlington Water Utilities office located at 101 W Abram Street, Arlington, TX 76010, during business hours. Walk-in payments are processed when ready, though you'll need your account number or the bill itself. Some residents use third-party payment processors like Plastiq or PayPal, but these add a fee on top of your bill amount — the direct methods through Arlington Water Utilities cost nothing extra.
Key Takeaways
- Online payments through the Arlington Water Utilities portal process within one business day and cost nothing extra.
- Phone payments are available through an automated system or a representative and post the same day you call.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if your due date is approaching.
- In-person payments at 101 W Abram Street process when ready and require only your account number or bill.
- Third-party payment apps add fees that Arlington Water Utilities' direct methods do not charge.
Setting up online payments through your account
To pay online, visit the Arlington Water Utilities website and log into your customer account. If you don't have an account yet, you'll need to create one using your service address, account number (found on your bill), and a password. Once logged in, select "Make a Payment" and enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or set up a recurring payment for the same amount each month.
The portal accepts payments from a checking account, savings account, or debit card. Bank transfers are free; debit card payments may carry a small processing fee depending on the payment processor Arlington Water Utilities uses. After you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number when ready. Keep this number for your records — it's proof the payment was sent, even if it hasn't posted to your account yet.
Paying by phone or automatic bank draft
To pay by phone, call Arlington Water Utilities at their customer service line. The automated system will guide you through entering your account number and payment amount, or you can speak to a representative who can process the payment for you. Phone payments from a bank account are free; credit or debit card payments may include a processing fee. The payment posts the same business day you call.
If you pay the same amount every month, you can set up an automatic bank draft (also called autopay) so the payment withdraws from your account on a date you choose. This requires you to provide your bank account number and routing number once, and then the system handles it automatically each month. You can change or cancel autopay anytime through your online account or by calling customer service.
Mailing a check or money order
If you prefer to mail your payment, send a check or money order to Arlington Water Utilities, P.O. Box 1121, Arlington, TX 76010. Write your account number on the check or money order so the payment reaches the right account. Include the payment stub from your bill if possible — it has your account number printed on it and helps the utility process the payment faster.
Mail payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post to your account. If your due date is within two weeks, don't rely on mail — use online or phone payment instead. If you're mailing a payment and your due date is approaching, call customer service to let them know a payment is in the mail; some utilities will note this on your account to prevent a late fee while the check is in transit.
What happens if you miss a due date
Arlington Water Utilities bills are typically due 20 days after the bill date. If payment doesn't arrive by the due date, the account moves to past due and a late fee is added to your next bill. The amount of the late fee varies but is usually a percentage of the unpaid balance. If the account remains unpaid for 30 to 45 days past due (the exact timeline depends on current city policy), the utility may issue a notice of intent to disconnect service.
If you receive a disconnect notice, contact Arlington Water Utilities when ready — many utilities will work out a payment plan or delay disconnection if you're actively working to pay. Reconnection fees explore if service is shut off, so addressing a past-due balance before that point saves you money. If you're struggling to pay, ask about their hardship programs or payment plans, which may allow you to spread the balance over several months.
Understanding your bill and payment posting
Your Arlington water bill shows your service address, account number, current charges, any previous balance owed, the total amount due, and the due date. The bill also breaks down charges by category — water usage, sewer, trash, and any other services bundled into your bill. Your usage is measured in hundred-cubic-foot units (HCF); one HCF equals about 748 gallons. The more you use, the higher the per-unit rate may be, as many utilities charge tiered rates where usage above a certain threshold costs more per unit.
When you make a payment, it first covers any late fees or previous balances, then applies to the current bill. If you pay more than you owe, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account and reduces your next bill. Payments made online or by phone typically post within one business day; mail payments take longer. You can check your payment status anytime by logging into your online account or calling customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Arlington water bill with a credit card?
Yes, but only through third-party payment processors like Plastiq or PayPal, not directly through Arlington Water Utilities. These services charge a fee (usually 2 to 3 percent of the bill amount) for processing credit card payments. Paying directly by bank account or debit card through the utility's portal or phone line costs nothing extra.
What if my payment was sent but hasn't posted yet?
Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. If you paid online or by phone and it's been longer than one business day, log into your account or call customer service with your confirmation number. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days. If you're concerned about a late fee, contact the utility and provide proof the payment was sent.
Can I set up a payment plan if I owe a large past-due balance?
Yes. Contact Arlington Water Utilities customer service and explain your situation. Many utilities offer payment plans that let you pay the balance over several months instead of in full. The sooner you contact them, the more options you typically have — waiting until a disconnect notice arrives limits your choices.
Do I need to pay my bill in full, or can I pay part of it?
You can pay any amount, including a partial payment. However, if you don't pay the full amount by the due date, the unpaid portion is considered past due and may trigger a late fee. Paying something is better than paying nothing if you're short on funds, but aim to pay the full bill by the due date to avoid fees.
What's the difference between my bill date and my due date?
Your bill date is when Arlington Water Utilities generates and sends your bill. Your due date is when payment must arrive to avoid a late fee — typically 20 days after the bill date. The due date is printed on your bill. Payment should reach the utility by that date, not be mailed by that date, so account for mail delivery time.